Assistive Technology Program Webinar

WELCOME TO AGING IN PLACE

Transportation and Home SafetyJune 16, 2011

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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM WEBINAR

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• Use the chat function on the right hand side.

• Questions and comments are encouraged and expected!

• The session is being recorded.

• We will start recording now.

ABOUT THE WEBINAR

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AGING IN PLACETransportation and Home Safety

June 16, 2011

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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM WEBINAR

AGING IN PLACE• Communities should offer ways to provide

necessary services for the elderly

• Older adults can act as economic generators, philanthropists and volunteers

• Communities prosper

• In 2009, baby-boomer households in the U.S. spent about $2.6 trillion

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AGING IN PLACE AND TRANSPORTATION

ROBERTA HABOWSKI, AREA AGENCY ON AGING 1-B FUNDING PROVIDED BY:

INTRODUCTION

• Mobility is crucial to maintaining Quality of life

• Mobility decisions are as unique as the individuals involved – there is no “one size fits all” solution

• Our goal is to help seniors drive as long as safely possible and/or transition to mobility options when driving is no longer an option

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STATISTICS

• Older drivers account for about 15% of licensed drivers, but cause only 7% of all traffic crashes

• By 2030, one in five motorist will be age 65 or older

• In MI, from 2001-2010, there was a 17% increase in licensed adults age 65 +, and a 95% increase in adults between 90-99

• Most of us will outlive our ability to drive by 7-10 years!

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•Cognitive

•Visual

•Physical

DRIVING ABILITIES

MEDICAL CONDITIONS Visual•Cataracts

•Glaucoma

•Macular Degeneration

•Diabetic Retinopathy

•Decreased night vision/glare recovery time

•Decrease in depth perception

Medications

Neurological•Stroke

•Dementia

•Alzheimer’s

•Parkinson’s

Other•Diabetes

•Heart conditions

•Arthritis

•General aging issues

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SAFETY ISSUES

Am I / my loved one safe to drive?

•What is prompting question

•Any “near misses” or unexplained damage to the vehicle

•New medical diagnoses/condition/medication

•Lost or confused while driving

•Suggest a “ride along,” or refresher course

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• Private – in home

• Low cost, confidential

• Commercial schools

• Hospital rehab

EVALUATIONS

HOSPITAL DRIVER REHABILITATION

• Very in-depth evaluations

• Need for training on special equipment

• Generally must have physician’s referral

• Stroke/Dementia/Alzheimer’s

• Some vision issues

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SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT

• More than wheelchair lifts

• Use only licensed providers

• May need a prescription

• May need training

• New vehicles – auto manufacturers may offer partial reimbursement

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• Renewals

• Referrals

• How to report unsafe driver

LICENSING ISSUES

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REQUEST DRIVER EVALUATION

HOW/WHEN TO DISCUSS DRIVING CONCERNS

• Begin discussions early, before there is a need

• Talk about it along with financial retirement, end of life choices, power of attorney

• Use family/friends/current events to start conversation

• Express concern for their and others safety

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• Be respectful

• Be specific when possible

• Use “I” messages

• Discuss with physician

• Have an action plan

• “We Need to Talk” – AARP

TIPS FOR TALKING ABOUT DRIVING CONCERNS

WHEN DRIVING IS NO LONGER AN OPTION

• Grieving process

• May need counseling• Make/review action plan

• Provide a list of public, private and • personal options

• Assist in finding deliveries/home services

• Any other services needed

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WHEN A LOVED ONE WILL NOT STOP DRIVING

• Enlist help of family doctor

• Complete and submit OC-88 form to Secretary of State

• Disable the vehicle

• Remove/sell vehicle

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DID YOU KNOW?

• More than half of all non-drivers age 65 and over stay at home in a given day, often because they do not have transportation options

• Only half of Americans age 65 and older have access to public transportation.

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TRANSPORTATION PLAN

• Involve the transitioning driver

• Remind them they still have control

• Plan for driving retirement just like you would financially

• Change lifestyle

• Help them use the internet to shop

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KEY TRANSPORTATION ISSUES

• Basic information

• Curb to Curb Service

• Door through Door Service

• Special equipment needs

• Cost constraints

• Is need on-going

• Suggest making a “Transportation Plan”

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LOCAL COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION PLAN

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PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION NETWORK

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MY TRANSPORTATION PLAN

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IN CONCLUSION• Seniors desire to remain in their homes as they age

• Transportation (in own vehicle or not) is key to helping seniors age in place

• Communities should provide services, including driver refresher courses, and transportation options

• Livable communities value and support people throughout their lifetime

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT : The Area Agency on Aging website

or call 800-852-7795

QUESTIONS ABOUT TRANSPORTATION?

HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST

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• Are the pathways well lit?

• Are the sidewalks and driveway in good condition?

• Are there handrails on the steps?

• Is the door knob easy to use?

• Is there a peephole in the door?

ENTRANCES & EXITS

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• Is the threshold flush with the floor?

• Are there throw rugs that could cause you to fall?

• Does the door lock work properly?

ENTRANCES & EXITS (CONT.)

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• Are they in good condition?

• Are the handrails mounted securely on the wall? One side or both?

• Is there adequate lighting?

• Is there clutter on the stairs?

STEPS AND STAIRWAYS

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• What is the height of the sink, mirror and toilet?

• What is the width of the doorway?

• Is there a tub or shower?

• Are the medicine cabinet and linen closet accessible?

BATHROOM

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• Are there grab bars?

• Is there good lighting?

• Are there adequate electrical outlets and ventilation?

BATHROOM (CONT.)

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• What is the height of the countertop and sink?

• Where are the controls for the stove?

• How does the refrigerator open?

• Is there counter space near the stove?

KITCHEN

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• Are the cupboards accessible? What is the height?

• Is there adequate lighting and ventilation?

• Is there a fire extinguisher?

KITCHEN (CONT.)

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• Are the machines top or front loading?

• Is there room to hang clothes?

• Is there storage space?

LAUNDRY

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• What is the height of the sofa, bed and chairs?

• Do rugs have non-slip tape underneath them?

• Is there a chair available with arm rests?

• Are light switches accessible?

LIVING AREAS

LIVING AREAS (CONT.)• Is there adequate space to move

around?

• Are closets and drawers accessible?

• Are electrical cords a tripping hazard?

• Is there ample lighting?

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• Are there smoke detectors on each level of the home?

• Is there a carbon monoxide detector present?

• Are windows in good working condition? Can they be locked?

• Is there adequate storage space?

GENERAL

LOW COST SOLUTIONS

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• Install motion detector lighting

• Make sure the doorbell is working.

• Install a security peephole in the entry door.

• Insure the mailbox is accessible.

EXTERIOR

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• Install handrails on both sides of steps

• Insure adequate lighting, consider night lights.

• Place non-slip reflective or contrast tape on the edge of the stair tread.

• Remove clutter

STEPS & STAIRWAYS

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• Install a nightlight

• Use a bathmat or non-slip strips

• Install grab bars by the toilet and tub

• Install a hand-held shower.

BATHROOM SOLUTIONS

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• Use an elevated toilet seat or switch to a comfort height toilet.

• Consider lever type handles for the tub and sink.

• Remove throw rugs!

BATHROOM SOLUTIONS (CONTINUED)

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• Use step stool to access high shelves

• Change handles on cupboards

• Rearrange cupboards with items used most frequently within easy reach.

KITCHEN SOLUTIONS

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• Remove all throw rugs

• Put double-sided carpet tape under area rugs

• Increase lighting by opening blinds, shades and curtains

• Replace light switches with rocker switches.

THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE

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• Replace round doorknobs with lever handles or adaptors

• Ensure all electrical and phone cords are out of the path of travel.

• Install off-set hinges to enlarge doorways

• Install smoke detectors on every level.

THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE(CONT.)

QUESTIONS ABOUT HOME SAFETY?

For more information contact:

Carol Green OTRL, CAPS

248-302-4093

cgreen@flaxco.com

Thank you!

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THANK YOU

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FINAL THOUGHTS

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“There is no

place like home!”

--Dorothy

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